Cpa Program Guide Professional Level

CPA Program Guide
professional level
2014
CPA Australia 2014
ii CPA PROGRAM GUIDEPROFESSIONAL LEVEL
General information 1
Contacts 2
Important dates2014 3
CPA Program professional level
education component 4
Overview 4
Objectives 4
Distance learning and independent study 4
Content and materials 5
Internet access 5
Assessment 5
Additional learning resources 6
Current CPA Program structure from Semester 2 2009 6
Structure 6
Admission policy 6
Elective exemptions 7
Deadline to complete the CPA Program and
advance to CPA status 7
Candidates admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards 7
Candidates admitted from 1 January 2004
up to and including 30 June 2007 7
Enrolment 9
Enrolment regulations 9
Enrolment procedure 9
CPD enrolment 9
Enrolment fee 9
CPA Australia scholarships 10
Conrmation of enrolment 10
Exam enrolment 10
Changing enrolment to an alternative segment 10
Cancellation of segment enrolment 10
Refund of enrolment fee upon cancellation
of segment enrolment 11
Cancellation of workshop and webinar
registration upon cancellation of enrolment 11
Delivery of segment study materials 11
Study material in accessible formats 11
Replacement materials 11
Exams 12
Exam scheduling 12
Special exam arrangements 12
Exam structure 13
Past exam papers 13
Attending exams 13
Exam deferral 14
Cancellation of workshop and webinar
registration upon deferral of exam 14
Deferral fees 14
Applying for an exam deferral 14
Special consideration for exams 15
Applying for special consideration 15
Exam results 18
Release dates and access 18
Grades 18
Fail results and queries 18
CPA Program professional level
practical experience requirement 19
Contents
1 CPA PROGRAM GUIDEPROFESSIONAL LEVEL
General information
Since 1986, the CPA Program has undergone many changes to maintain its relevance to
the business world and to ensure CPAs are equipped to be strategic business leaders.
The CPA Program continues to be recognised as a leading professional program and receives
strong endorsement by employers.
The CPA Program is offered globally and last year there were almost 60 000 professional
level segment enrolments world-wide. CPA Australia has over 144 000 members across
127 countries. Collectively, around 17 per cent of our members hold senior leadership roles,
including more than 12 000 members at CEO or CFO level or in business ownership roles.
The CPA program will ensure you develop the appropriate skills, knowledge and values of a
CPA through your exposure to a combination of accounting knowledge with strategic thinking
and practical experience. Once you complete the CPA program, you will be joining one of
the most globally recognised accountancy designations.
The CPA Program Guideprofessional level (the Guide) contains information you need
about the structure of the CPA Program professional level, its administrative arrangements,
contact details and other important features.
The Guide has been divided into sections to make it easier to nd information relevant to you.
Please use the bookmarks and the links included throughout the Guide to click through to the
relevant section of information.
As a CPA Program candidate, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the contents of this
Guide and keep it handy at all times.
Best wishes with your studies.
Contacts
Use the links below to access information about each point in the relevant section of the Guide. If you have any
questions after reading this information, please contact CPA Australia as detailed below.
For queries about:
Conrmation of enrolment
Delivery of segment study materials
Exam scheduling and rescheduling
Special exam arrangements
Cancellation of enrolment
Exam deferral
Special consideration
Accessing exam results
All other matters

Contact:
CPA Australias local divisional ofces
Australian members can call 1300 73 73 73 to be
automatically directed to their local divisional ofce.
Email: mais.advisory@cpaaustralia.com.au
For queries about the practical experience
requirement
Email: practicalexperience@cpaaustralia.com.au
Scan and email, fax, or mail applications for:
Enrolment
Cancellation of enrolment
Exam deferral
Special consideration
Application forms for Enrolment, Cancellation of
enrolment, Exam deferral and Special consideration
can be found on the CPA Australia website. Links to
these forms are also provided in the relevant sections
of this guide
Contact:
Member Administration
CPA Australia
GPO Box 2820
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
Email: MA.Comms@cpaaustralia.com.au
Facsimile: 1300 78 76 73 (within Australia)
or +61 3 9606 9844 (outside Australia)
If you have misplaced your materials or require
replacement materials for another reason
Email: MA.Renewals@cpaaustralia.com.au
To cancel your workshop/webinar registration if
you cancel or defer your enrolment prior to the
workshop/webinar
Email: MA.Events@cpaaustralia.com.au
For queries about My Online Learning Contact:
Member Advisory
Phone: 1300 73 73 73 (within Australia),
+61 3 9606 9677 (international)
Hours of operation:
8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (AEST) Monday to Friday
Email: myonlinelearning@cpaaustralia.com.au
Important dates2014
These dates are correct at the time of publication (December 2013) but are subject to change.
Please refer to the website for current dates.
Semester 1 Semester 2
Enrolment opens 9 December 2013 16 June 2014
Early bird enrolment closing date 14 January 2014 8 July 2014
First cancellation date (cancellations made after this date
will not receive a refund). Last day to vary enrolment
and update postal address 14 January 2014 8 July 2014
Final enrolment closing date 28 January 2014 21 July 2014
Special exam arrangements application closing date 28 January 2014 21 July 2014
Semester begins 10 February 2014 4 August 2014
Study materials should be received by mail by 10 February 2014 4 August 2014
My Online Learning access available 10 February 2014 4 August 2014
Deferral closing date 3 March 2014 25 August 2014
Final cancellation date (last day to cancel enrolment) 3 March 2014 25 August 2014
Exam scheduling and rescheduling closing date 3 March 2014 25 August 2014
Global Strategy and Leadership exam pre-seen information
to be received by mail and available on My Online Learning 14 April 2014 6 October 2014
Exam dates for paper-based exams
Ethics and Governance 28 April 2014 20 October 2014
Global Strategy and Leadership 28 April 2014 20 October 2014
Financial Reporting 29 April 2014 21 October 2014
Strategic Management Accounting 29 April 2014 21 October 2014
Advanced Taxation 30 April 2014 22 October 2014
Singapore Taxation 30 April 2014 a.m. 22 October 2014 a.m.
Malaysia Taxation 30 April 2014 22 October 2014
Contemporary Business Issues 30 April 2014 22 October 2014
Advanced Audit and Assurance 2 May 2014 24 October 2014
Financial Risk Management 2 May 2014 24 October 2014
Exam dates for computer-based exams
Check availability when scheduling your exams 26 April 2014 to 18 October 2014 to
2 May 2014 24 October 2014
Special consideration application closing date 12 May 2014 3 November 2014
Exam results available online via the CPA Australia
website from 12.00 p.m. AEST/AEDT* 13 June 2014 5 December 2014
Practical experience requirement enrolment Available all year Available all year
* AEST/AEDT refers to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).
Please note that all closing dates end at midnight AEST or AEDT on the specied day.
CPA Program
professional level
education component
Overview
Objectives
The CPA Program professional level is a world class, internationally recognised designation.
The content of the CPA Program professional level focuses on strategy, leadership and
international business. Content is globally relevant, with a focus on providing exible learning
and delivery modes.
Along with a focus on the latest technical issues and developments in the profession,
the program is positioned within the broader context of contemporary business, including:
corporate governance, ethics and integrity
development and implementation of business strategy
decision-making and leadership.
The CPA Program professional level equips you with strong analytical and problem-solving
capabilities designed to add real value to your career.
Distance learning and independent study
The CPA Program professional level is offered via distance learning mode. Distance education
provides:
a exible and accessible approach
an opportunity for you to demonstrate greater self-discipline and responsibility for the
planning and assessment of your own learning which is in keeping with a professional
accountants responsibility for ongoing self-development.
To be prepared for the segment exam you are recommended to:
study at least 1015 hours per week (as a general guide)
study the segment materials thoroughly and rigorously, and work systematically through
each module in the study guide including any associated readings
complete the in-text questions
use the Semester Study Planner in your study guide and the calendar on My Online
Learning to assist you to plan a suitable study schedule.
Each professional level segment is postgraduate equivalent and it is strongly recommended
that you undertake only one segment per semester if you are employed full time.
Content and materials
The CPA Program professional level education component incorporates advanced content
and each segment has a strong practical orientation. Authors of the segment materials are
drawn from industry, commerce, the public sector and tertiary education, and the materials are
reviewed by panels of professional members employed in relevant accounting and nance
elds. All segments are regularly updated to reect current practice, standards and legislation.
Each segment includes:
a printed study guide
In-text reective questions and numbered exercises with answers provided. Some segments
include case scenarios to be worked through with answers provided for reference
interactive computer-based learning material on My Online Learning for most segments,
including electronic self-assessment tests that assist you to understand and review
the topics covered. Some segments include reference items that assist candidates to
understand and apply concepts to practical situations
references to relevant standards and legislation which may be accessed through web links
on My Online Learning or purchased from sources such as CCH, Butterworths, Pearson or
Australian Tax Practice. Alternatively, the CPA Library holds a range of legislation to which
members can refer.
You must have access to relevant accounting and auditing standards and professional
statements. Access is available via the standard setters websites or the CPA Australia website.
You may need to print out portions for exam purposes, if relevant to the segment you are studying.
Any additional material required is listed in the introductory section of each study guide.
This section may also list materials that are recommended for further reading. These are
intended to provide a broader background to the study topic.
A summary of each segments aims, objectives and content is available on the CPA Australia
website.
To ensure you have continued access to important online resources and tools, including the
ability to access your exam results online and via SMS, you need to ensure your membership
remains current and nancial. Failure to renew your membership will result in loss of access
to member-only information and resources.
Internet access
You are required to have access to the Internet and a current email address. During the
semester you will receive important information via My Online Learning and email.
These provide a quick method of contact if there are important changes or updates.
If you need to change your email address or other contact details, please visit the Update my
prole section on CPA Australias website. This will automatically update your details on the
study group listing and in CPA Australias membership database.
It is your responsibility to keep up to date with relevant changes or updates.
Assessment
CPA Program professional level exams are conducted at the end of the semester. Each segment
exam is three hours and 15 minutes. CPA Program professional level exams are open-book.
Note: For Singapore Taxation, the exam is closed-book, but candidates may bring unmarked
copies of the Income Tax and GST Acts into the exam.
For further information regarding the exams, see the Exams section in this guide.
Additional learning resources
My Online Learning provides access to a range of important study resources including
announcements, segment study content updates, discussion forums and study groups.
My Online Learning is available to all candidates as part of the fee paid at the time of enrolment.
You are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities provided by these resources to
discuss technical issues arising out of the study materials and to network with other candidates.
A range of optional fee-based supplementary learning resources is also available. Please see
the Additional learning support page on the CPA Australia website for more information about
workshops and webinars, tuition providers and supplementary learning products.
Current CPA Program structure from
Semester 2 2009
The CPA Program consists of two levels:
The foundation levelcore knowledge requirements that can be fullled through
CPA Australias series of eight foundation exams or through an accredited or recognised
higher-education degree program.
The professional levelsix postgraduate level segments plus the three-year practical
experience requirement.
Structure
To successfully complete the CPA Program, candidates commencing from Semester 2 2009*
onwards will need to complete four compulsory segments and two elective segments, from
a list of four, within six years of becoming an Associate member, and also complete the
practical experience requirement.
* Note: If you commenced the CPA Program before Semester 2 2009, see the rules and regulations
on CPA Australias website for the completion requirements.
Enrolment guidelines:
It is recommended that you enrol in Ethics and Governance rst.
You will not be able to enrol in Global Strategy and Leadership until all other compulsory
segments have been successfully completed.
If you are working full-time, you are strongly advised to enrol in only one segment
per semester.
Admission policy
It is possible to be admitted to Associate membership of CPA Australia without having completed
undergraduate studies in auditing and/or taxation. In this case, you must complete auditing and/
or taxation as part of your CPA Program elective segments. You must complete these segments
in order to advance to CPA status.
For example:
Candidate A commences their CPA Program in Semester 2 2009. They have a major in
accounting but have not completed studies in auditing; therefore, their CPA Program
will look like this:
Ethics and Governance
Strategic Management Accounting
Financial Reporting
Elective
Advanced Audit and Assurance
Global Strategy and Leadership.
or
Candidate B commences their CPA Program in Semester 2 2009. They have a major in
accounting but have not completed studies in auditing or taxation; therefore, their CPA Program
will look like this:
Ethics and Governance
Strategic Management Accounting
Financial Reporting
Advanced Taxation (or local taxation variant)
Global Strategy and Leadership.
As part of the admission process, you will be asked for information about the subjects you
completed as part of your previous studies and whether you have completed studies in auditing
and taxation. Your letter advising you of the outcome of your membership application will tell
you what you must do to successfully complete the CPA Program.
Elective exemptions
A total of two exemptions in the CPA Program professional level may be granted on the basis
of prior learning which is assessed as being of equivalent content and depth. Prior learning
must be postgraduate tertiary education and/or professional qualications.
Only elective segments available in the current professional level of the CPA Program
are considered:
Advanced Taxation, Malaysia Taxation or Singapore Taxation
Contemporary Business Issues
Financial Risk Management.
Exemptions are available if you have met CPA Australias educational requirements for the core
knowledge areas of taxation and auditing prior to starting the professional level.
Courses (including Master of Professional Accounting) and subjects accredited by CPA Australia
for exemptions in the core knowledge areas of the CPA Program foundation level are not
eligible for exemptions into the professional level.
No exemptions are available for compulsory segments.
Deadline to complete the CPA Program and advance to
CPA status
Candidates admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards
All new members admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards must complete the CPA Program
professional level, including the practical experience requirement, and advance to CPA status
within six years of admission to Associate membership. All candidates must also hold a degree
or a postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia before they can advance to CPA status.
Associate members admitted from 1 July 2007 onwards who do not full these requirements
and fail to advance to CPA status within six years of admission will be required to relinquish
membership.
Candidates admitted from 1 January 2004 up to and including
30 June 2007
All new members admitted from 1 January 2004 up to and including 30 June 2007 must
complete the CPA Program, including the practical experience requirement, and advance to
CPA status within eight years of admission to Associate membership.
Candidates admitted from 1 January 2007 up to and including 30 June 2007 have six years
to complete the CPA Program provided the CPA Program is completed within the eight-year
advancement limit. Candidates admitted from 1 January 2004 up to and including 31 December
2006 have ve years to complete the CPA Program provided the CPA Program is completed
within the eight year advancement limit.
All candidates must also hold a degree or a postgraduate award recognised by CPA Australia
before they can advance to CPA status.
Associate members who do not full these requirements and fail to advance to CPA status
within eight years of admission will be required to relinquish membership.
Note: If you are unable to complete your CPA Program professional level segments or advance
to CPA status within the relevant timeframe, extensions may be available. Please contact your
local divisional ofce to discuss your options.
Enrolment
All members of CPA Australia are eligible to enrol in the CPA Program professional level
segments, including the exam. In addition, members may purchase the segment study guides
for reference purposes only.
For information on how to enrol in the practical experience requirement, refer to the
CPA Program professional levelpractical experience requirement section.
Enrolment regulations
All candidates are bound by the rules and regulations as detailed on the CPA Australia website.
Enrolment procedure
CPA Australia is pleased to announce a number of changes to its enrolment procedures
that provide greater exibility for candidates. Please see the CPA Australia website for
more information.
CPD enrolment
If you have completed the CPA Program professional level and wish to enrol in an individual
segment or segments for the purpose of continuing professional development (CPD),
please download an enrolment form from the website and send it with your fee payment
to the appropriate address prior to the enrolment closing date for the semester you wish to
enrol in.
Members who have completed the CPA Program and wish to purchase segment materials
for reference purposes can do so at any time during the enrolment period up to the enrolment
closing dates below by downloading the enrolment form from the website and submitting it
as indicated on the form.
Enrolment fee
A fee is payable for each new enrolment in a segment. A discount is applied for enrolments
received by the early bird closing date. Please check the website for important dates and
fees. Segment enrolment fees are not subject to the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST)
because the CPA Program professional level is a GST-free education course.
Information regarding reimbursement of the segment enrolment fee following cancellation
of a segment enrolment can be found in the Refund of enrolment fee upon cancellation of
enrolment section.
CPA Australia scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available to assist with fees for CPA Program professional
level segments.
For more information about scholarships, go to the CPA Australia website.
Conrmation of enrolment
If you enrol online via My CPA Program, you will receive immediate conrmation of your
enrolment via email. If you enrol ofine using the enrolment form, you will receive emailed
conrmation of your enrolment after your form is processed.
Please contact your local divisional ofce if you have any queries relating to the status of
your enrolment.
Exam enrolment
With the exception of enrolments for reference purposes and some CPD enrolments,
all candidates must schedule their exams online via My CPA Program. Further information
regarding segment exams is provided under Exams.
Changing enrolment to an alternative segment
You may change a segment nominated at the time of enrolment to an alternative segment online
via My CPA Program or by submitting a written request to Member Administration or to your
local divisional ofce if you are based in Hong Kong, Malaysia or Singapore.
Requests must be submitted no later than the advertised early bird enrolment closing date
shown in the Important dates.
Requests received after the early bird enrolment closing date cannot be accommodated and
no refund will be available should you subsequently decide to cancel your enrolment.
Cancellation of segment enrolment
If you have enrolled in a segment and do not wish to continue or are unable to continue in the
segment, you can cancel your enrolment in an individual segment up until the advertised nal
closing date each semester. Following cancellation, all record of the segment enrolment will be
deleted from your printed results transcript.
If you wish to postpone a segment exam, rather than cancel your enrolment, you may be eligible
to apply for an exam deferral.
You cannot sit a segment exam and then apply for a segment cancellation in the same
semester. If you sit the exam, the result stands and no cancellation is allowed.
You may cancel a current segment enrolment online via My CPA Program, and receive
automatic conrmation.
To apply ofine, please:
complete the Cancellation of professional level segment enrolment application form,
available on the CPA Australia website.
sign the printed form and send it to Member Administration.
All applications must be received by CPA Australia no later than the advertised nal closing
date shown in the Important dates. Applications received after the nal closing date will not
be considered.
Refund of enrolment fee upon cancellation of segment enrolment
A full reimbursement of the segment enrolment fee can be provided if a request to cancel a
new segment enrolment (see previous section) is submitted online or received by Member
Administration no later than the rst cancellation closing date shown in the Important dates.
No refund of the enrolment fee can be provided if an application to cancel a segment enrolment
is received after the rst cancellation closing date. Also, it is not possible to reimburse or credit
fees for segment enrolments cancelled or deferred from previous semesters.
Cancellation of workshop and webinar registration upon cancellation
of enrolment
Please note that registrations for workshops and webinars are not automatically cancelled if
you cancel your enrolment in a segment. To cancel any of your workshops or webinars please
contact CPA Australia on 1300 73 73 73 or email mais.advisory@cpaaustralia.com.au.
Delivery of segment study materials
Segment study materials are mailed within four weeks of the early bird enrolment closing date
to all candidates who enrol by the early bird enrolment closing date. If you do not enrol by
the early bird enrolment closing date, you may not receive your study materials by the start
of the semester.
Conrmation of your materials despatch can be found on My CPA Program.
If you have not received your segment study materials by the semester commencement date,
please contact your local divisional ofce.
To assist those candidates who have not received their segment materials by the semester
commencement date, material covering approximately the rst two weeks of the semester is
made available for most segments via My Online Learning.
Study material in accessible formats
If you require your study materials to be provided in an alternative format due to a medical
condition, please contact your local divisional ofce. All requests should be submitted as
soon as possible following your enrolment and before the early bird enrolment closing date
(see Important dates) to allow sufcient time for the special arrangements to be made.
Requests must be supported by a medical certicate from a medical practitioner. The certicate
must include:
the name and description of the condition suffered
the special arrangements that are required for your study materials, such as enlargements
whether the condition suffered is permanent and if the special arrangements are required
for all future enrolments.
You may also wish to apply for special exam arrangements for your exam. See the relevant
section within this guide for further information on how to apply.
Replacement materials
If you have received your materials but have misplaced them or require replacement
materials for another reason, please contact Member Administration. A fee will be payable
for replacement materials.
Exams
CPA Australia is pleased to announce a number of changes to its exam offer that provide
greater exibility to candidates, including the option to sit computer-based exams in some
locations. Please refer to the website for more information.
Exam scheduling
Scheduled exam dates are listed on the CPA Australia website and in the Important dates at the
front of this Guide. Candidates who enrol online via My CPA Program can see the dates and
also the nearest available venues for their exams when they complete the scheduling stage of
their online enrolment.
Candidates who enrol ofine using the enrolment form must also schedule their exams online via
My CPA Program or contact their local divisional ofce.
If the available dates are unsuitable:
you may delay your enrolment to a future semester
if your personal circumstances alter following enrolment in a segment due to a medical
condition, heavy workload, clash with another exam, or misreading the exam information
supplied, you may be eligible to defer your exam or cancel your enrolment in the segment
if you miss the exam due to circumstances beyond your control you should contact your
local divisional ofce.
Special exam arrangements
Special exam arrangements are exam arrangements provided by exception for candidates who
have specic exam requirements. These arrangements can be provided for candidates under
the following circumstances only.
Medical condition
If you require special exam arrangements due to a medical condition, you should contact
your local divisional ofce with your requirements. All requests should be submitted before
the special exam arrangements closing date shown in the Important dates.
Requests must be supported by a medical certicate from a medical practitioner.
The certicate must include:
the name and description of the condition suffered
how much extra time is required (if any)a standard exam is three hours and
15 minutes
how much rest time is needed for the duration of the exam (if any)a standard
exam does not have any periods of rest
if any special exam materials are required (e.g. A3 enlarged exam paper and/or
multiple-choice answer sheet)
if any special equipment is needed (e.g. a laptop)
if any special seating arrangements are needed (e.g. a separate room or to be

seated near a toilet)
whether the condition suffered is permanent and if the special exam arrangements
are required for any future exams.
Note: If you require food or drink during an exam, you should discuss your requirements
with your local divisional ofce.
If you apply for special exam arrangements for a medical condition, you are not automatically
granted special consideration for your exam. The special exam arrangements will take into
account the impact of the medical condition on exam performance. However, you must apply
separately for special consideration each semester if this condition has impacted on your
studies leading up to the exam or your exam performance, or if any of the other reasons for
special consideration have impacted on your studies or exam sit.
Exam structure
Each segment exam is three hours and 15 minutes duration. All exams are open book, except
Singapore Taxation, and are based on the whole segmentthat is, the segment study guide,
supplementary materials, prescribed texts and readings. Candidates will be examined on all
materials unless otherwise stated.
For Singapore Taxation, the exam is closed book, with candidates able to bring only unmarked
copies of the Income Tax and GST Acts into the exam.
Exams for Ethics and Governance, Financial Reporting, Malaysia Taxation, Singapore Taxation,
Strategic Management Accounting and Global Strategy and Leadership include assessment
of your higher order conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills through written response
exam questions. Compulsory segments also contain a multiple choice component.
Exams for most of the elective segments comprise multiple choice questions.
For more information about the structure of the exams you should review the Structure
and Requirements section of the CPA Australia website and the segment outlines in the
study guides.
The mark allocations in the exams will be conrmed during the semester and advised on
My Online Learning. Time allocations are suggested on the exam paper based on the marks
assigned to each section.
Past exam papers
Questions and answers from current and past exams are not released or made available for
viewing after the exams due to the secure nature of the exams and the process adopted
by CPA Australia in establishing passing standards.
Electronic self-assessment tests (e-SATS)practice questions and answers are available on
My Online Learning for most segments. These questions provide an opportunity to review the
segment content, and are of a similar format, presentation and style to the types of questions
that are posed in the exams.
Attending exams
At the time of scheduling your exam you will be required to review CPA Australias exam policies.
It is your responsibility to read and understand the policies prior to attending your exam.
Exam deferral
An exam deferral allows you to postpone the exam for a professional level segment to the
following semester. Deferrals into a later semester are not available.
Once granted:
a result of Deferred will be recorded on your printed results transcript against the semester
of enrolment
you will be automatically re-enrolled in the segment in the following semester.
The exam deferral provision is available to assist candidates who may be unable to prepare
for or attend an exam due to reasons such as a medical condition or personal hardship. If you
experience such difculties and can still attend the exam in the semester of enrolment, you may
wish to sit the exam and apply for special consideration.
You cannot sit a segment exam and then apply for a segment deferral in the same
semester. If you sit the exam, the result stands and no deferral is allowed.
If you sit the exam and your exam sit or your exam preparation was adversely
affected by exceptional circumstances beyond your control you are able to apply
for special consideration up to the closing date in each semester.
If you are not able to attend the exam in the following semester, you may defer the exam a
second time in the following semester, or cancel your enrolment in the segment.
Cancellation of workshop and webinar registration upon deferral
of exam
Please note that registrations for workshops and webinars are not automatically cancelled if
you defer your enrolment in a segment. To cancel any of your workshops or webinars please
contact CPA Australia on 1300 73 73 73 or email mais.advisory@cpaaustralia.com.au.
Deferral fees
There is a fee for exam deferral. Please check the website for important dates and fees.
The deferral fee includes automatic re-enrolment in the segment for the following semester,
including new materials.
Other important information is as follows:
you cannot transfer your deferral into another segment exam
exams cannot be deferred beyond the following semester
a semester in which a deferral is granted is included in your time-frame to complete
the CPA Program professional level
if an exam deferral is requested in the nal semester of the enrolment period, contact your
local divisional ofce to apply for an extension of time
once an exam has been deferred, no refund of the deferral fee will be provided if
enrolment in the exam is reinstated
if enrolment in a segment is subsequently cancelled, fees will not be reimbursed.
Applying for an exam deferral
You can defer online via My CPA Program and receive automatic conrmation of your request.
To apply ofine, please:
complete the Professional level exam deferral application form electronically or by hand,
available on the CPA Australia website
sign the printed form
send the form with the deferral fee to Member Administration.
All applications must be received by the relevant closing date shown in the Important dates.
If you are prevented from attending your exam due to exceptional circumstances that arise after
the deferral closing date, please contact your local divisional ofce. You will be asked to provide
documentation to support your request, and your circumstances will be considered on a case
by case basis.
An exam result of Did Not Sit will be recorded if you do not attend the exam and your
exceptional application for deferral is denied.
Special consideration for exams
If you sit an exam, you may apply for special consideration for your exam result if your studies
during the semester and/or your exam performance are adversely affected by exceptional
circumstances beyond your control.
Valid reasons for special consideration applications are:
medical condition
personal hardship which is identied as a situation or circumstance that has had a
signicant impact on exam preparation and/or performance and is out of your control.
Where you can control the situation it is not considered hardship. Hardship can include
family issues, personal issues or nancial issues. Workload is not considered a reason
for hardship
late receipt of segment study materials if you enrolled by the early bird closing date
exam incident.
The majority of candidates undertake the CPA Program professional level in conjunction
with full-time employment commitments. Therefore, pressures of work are not considered
exceptional and in light of this, applications for special consideration that are submitted for
employment-related reasons will not be accepted and will not be reviewed by the Special
Consideration Committee.
You should not apply for special consideration if you are unable to attend an exam. In this case,
you can either:
cancel your enrolment in the segment, up to the advertised closing date, or
apply for an exam deferral up to the advertised closing date (or contact your local divisional
ofce if exceptional circumstances arise after the closing date that prevent you from
attending the exam).
Special consideration applications are closely reviewed to ensure that all criteria and requirements
have been met before they are accepted for consideration by the Committee. Following the
special consideration application closing date and before the exam results are ofcially released,
the Special Consideration Committee reviews the personal circumstances of each candidate
whose application has been accepted and whose exam result has fallen within a specic range
below the pass mark. The candidates performance is evaluated in light of the disadvantage
suffered and similar cases are taken into consideration in order to ensure equity to all candidates.
In considering an application for special consideration, the Committee may take into account
a candidates past performance in the CPA Program and any past applications for special
consideration.
Following this review process, the Committee may upgrade a Fail result to a Pass. Pass results
are not amended to higher grades and the Special Consideration Committee does not review
applications that have been accepted where the candidates exam result is a clear Fail.
The ndings of the Special Consideration Committee are condential and disclosure of decisions
made by the Committee cannot be provided. All special consideration applicants nal results
will be announced as part of the ofcial release of exam results.
Applying for special consideration
It is your responsibility to provide sufcient detailed information to support an application for
special consideration, including information detailing the impact on your studies and/or exam
performance. All applications need to be supported with relevant, current documentation from
an independent person. If supporting documentation is not received by CPA Australia by the
application closing date, the application will not be processed.
You must detail the reason for your special consideration application and the extent to
which your studies and/or performance in the exam were affected on the form provided.
When applying for special consideration, you must fully explain your situation and how it has
impacted on your studies leading up to the exam and/or your performance in the exam to
enable the Committee to fairly assess your situation and arrive at a decision. Where relevant,
it is advisable to provide as much independent information as possible that supports your
case. It is expected that all documentation supplied will be in English. Where documents are
translated into English, the translated documents must be certied.
To apply for special consideration:
please ensure you intend to sit or have sat the exam and meet the criteria for
special consideration
complete the Special consideration for professional level exams application form,
available on the CPA Australia website, electronically or by hand (please do not use the
deferral form)
sign the printed form
send the form to Member Administration with all supporting documentation, remembering
to check that the documentation is complete, including certied where required,
and current.
All applications will be treated condentially and must be received by the advertised closing date
shown in the Important dates. No application received after the closing date will be considered.
All applications received by the application closing date will be acknowledged in writing before
the ofcial release of results.
Reasons for special consideration and the required application documentation are as follows:
1 the completed Special consideration for professional level exams application form,
available on the CPA Australia website, and
2 supporting documentation as detailed in the following table.
Category Application documentation required
Medical condition A medical certicate must be submitted to support an application
for a medical condition. It is preferred that the medical practitioner
use the Medical certicate to support special consideration for
exams application form, available on the CPA Australia website.
This form needs to be taken to an appointment and completed
by the medical practitioner at the time of consultation. If this is
not possible, a medical certicate in other formats from a medical
practitioner will be accepted if it contains:
information detailing the condition
an indication of whether the condition is mild,
moderate or severe
the dates that you have been or will be affected
information about how the condition has, or would,
affect your studies or exam performance.
Illness, medical condition or not t for work are not sufcient
explanations and may be difcult to fully assess by the Special
Consideration Committee.
You must also supply additional documentation that will support
your application, such as a statement detailing how the medical
condition has impacted on your studies and/or exam performance.
Category Application documentation required
Personal hardship Personal hardship can include family issues, personal issues or
nancial issues. Examples include, but are not limited to:
relationship breakdown
divorce
death in the family
ill relative requiring your care
forced home moves
redundancy
attending court cases during the exam period.
A heavy workload, including work travel requirements, is not a
reason for hardship.
You must establish in your documentation that it is a circumstance
or situation that is out of your control. The currency of the situation
and the currency of the documentation you supply will also
be considered.
You must supply a letter of personal hardship from someone not
related to you by birth or marriage, including de facto relationship,
or a letter from the doctor of your ill relative that contains:
a detailed explanation of your personal hardship and
the way in which it has, or would, affect your studies or
exam performance
relevant dates of the impact of the hardship
information about how the author of the letter knows you
(e.g. manager, work colleague or friend) and how long they
have known you
contact details for the author of the letter.
your application, such as a statement of personal hardship
detailing the impact on your studies and/or exam performance.
Late receipt of segment
study materials
A consignment note or written advice documenting:
the date the materials were received
the name(s) of the person(s) you contacted regarding
the delay
the date(s) of contact.
your application, such as a statement detailing how the late receipt
of segment study materials has impacted on your studies or
exam performance.
Note:
If you enrolled after the early bird enrolment closing date,
an application made on this basis may not be approved.
Material covering approximately the rst two weeks of the
semester is made available for most segments via My Online
Learning. Where available, this will be taken into account
when considering any applications for special consideration
based on late receipt of study materials.
Exam incident If a disruptive incident occurs during an exam, you must supply
documentation such as a statement describing the incident
in detail and the effect it had on your exam performance.
Following receipt of an application, CPA Australia may seek
verication of the exam incident.
Exam results
Release dates and access
Exam results will be released on the dates listed in the Important dates. Results will be available
online via My CPA Program.
Grades
Ofcial exam results indicate the grade awarded. The pass grades that are currently in use for
professional level exams include Pass, Credit, Distinction and High Distinction. Other grades
in use include Fail, Did Not Sit, Withdrawn, Deferred or Exemption.
Printed result transcripts include all results listed on your academic record and cannot be
produced to exclude Fail, Did Not Sit, Withdrawn and Deferred grades.
In accordance with the policy of CPA Australias Professional Qualications Advisory Committee
(formerly the Education Advisory Committee), neither the segment pass marks nor the mark
range for each grade are disclosed.
Fail results and queries
All candidates who sit an exam will have access to an individualised exam feedback report,
available via My CPA Program. The exams are designed to test your understanding of the
materials, and the exam feedback report reviews your exam results by module. This may assist
you in knowing where to focus your studies if you attempt any segment again.
If you have failed an exam and have specic questions about the information in your exam
feedback report, please contact your local divisional ofce or email your questions to:
mais.advisory@cpaaustralia.com.au.
The email request must include:
your full name
member ID
contact details
segment name, semester and year
a clear list of queries.
Please note that all results are nal and requests for re-marks will not be accepted. It is
CPA Australias policy not to re-mark exams or provide access to the exams.
CPA Program
professional level
practical experience
requirement
The practical experience requirement is a structured program for developing and demonstrating
professional skills. An integrated part of the CPA Program, it is a requirement for advancing to
CPA status.
The practical experience requirement complies with the International Federation of Accountants
(IFAC) International Educational Standards.
As part of your practical experience requirement, you will need to demonstrate competence in
four skill areas highly valued by employers.
Career
Guidance
System
Technical
Business Leadership
Personal
Effectiveness
There are three ways to demonstrates practical experience. Choose the method that best suits
you and remember that you can change the way you demonstrate your requirements if your
work circumstances change.
You can enrol any time, but there are
many advantages to enrolling as soon as
possible. The combination of skills and
time spent in a mentored relationship will
help you realise your potential as a leader
in your profession.
Next steps
1. Find a CPA, FCPA or equivalent full
member of an IFAC member body
to be your mentor.
2. Follow the instructions on the
form at cpaaustralia.com.au/
experience
3.
cpaaustralia.com.au/
practicallogbook
4.

Inform CPA Australia if you change
employers, mentors or if you
complete the requirements by
submitting the Update/Complete
form.
Are you currently employed
in a relevant role?
You can enrol with a Recognised
Employer Partner and you will satisfy
the practical experience requirements
while taking part in your employers
professional development program. A
full list of Recognised Employer Partners
is available at cpaaustralia.com.au/
rep_employer_partners
Next steps
experience
2. Participate in the professional
development program provided by
your employer.
3. Inform CPA Australia if you change
employers or if you complete your
time requirement by submitting an
Update/Complete form.
Do you work for a
Recognised Employer
Partner?
You can apply for Recognition of
Professional Experience to satisfy all,
or part, of the practical experience
requirement depending on your work
experience. Your work experience needs
to be in a relevant role and from the last
eight years. Full members of an IFAC
member body can also apply.
Next steps
experience
2. If you have any remaining time or
skill requirements left to complete
we recommend that you enrol
in the practical experience
requirement.
Do you have six months
or more professional
work experience?

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Cpa Program Guide Professional Level

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CPA Program Guide

Delivery of segment study materials

Exam scheduling and rescheduling

Special exam arrangements

Accessing exam results

All other matters

the name and description of the condition suffered

if any special equipment is needed (e.g. a laptop)

if any special seating arrangements are needed (e.g. a separate room or to be

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